Substantially annular-shaped accessory

Abstract

A substantially annular-shaped accessory includes multiple arc-shaped structural elements that form a C-shaped annulus (major arc-shaped annulus) and a core. The core has a structure formed into a C-shaped annular-shaped accessory having an end gap of expandable / contractible width. One end of the core having a C-shaped member and an elastic body are fasten to a locking projection inside the arc-shaped structural element constituting one end section. Another end of the core is fasten to the locking projection inside the arc-shaped structural element constituting another end section.

Description

RELATED APPLICATION[0001]This application is a § 371 application from PCT / JP2014 / 004398 filed Aug. 27, 2014, which is herein incorporated by reference in its entiretyTECHNICAL FIELD[0002]The present invention relates to an accessory, such as a bangle, bracelet, necklace or earring, particularly to a substantially annular-shaped accessory formed into a C-shaped annulus by interconnecting multiple structural elements with cores made of C-shaped members and elastic bodies and having an end gap capable of width expansion / contraction.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]Some bangles used as accessories worn on the wrist, arm or ankle, for example, are formed as C-shaped annuluses provided at one portion with an end gap to make them smaller, lighter and easier to put on and take off than traditional ring-shaped bangles made of metal or the like. For still easier wearing, substantially annular-shaped accessories have been developed that interconnect multiple structural elements to form a subst...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0018]Being configured in the foregoing manner, the substantially annular-shaped accessory according to the present invention offers the following effects.

[0019]1. The cores, being formed of the C-shaped members made of shape-memory alloy and the elastic bodies, facilitate diameter expansion / contraction owing to presence of restoration force of the shape-memory alloy and elastic force of the elastic bodies and also enlarge movability range of diameter expansion capability, and the groove-like formation of the decorative surface prevents interference among ornaments (such as diamonds) during diameter enlargement, helps to prevent breakage / loss of ornaments (such as diamonds) by contact with surroundings, and further enables ornaments (such as diamonds) to be set at various angles with small prongs.

[0020]2. By forming the substantially annular-shaped accessory to about arm size, it can be used as a bracelet.

[0021]3. By forming the substantially annular-shaped accessory to a small size, it can be used as an earring.

[0022]4. By providing a post on one end side surface of the substantially annular-shaped accessory and installing a piercing catch on the other end side surface, the annular-shaped accessory can be used as a piercing earring.

Problems solved by technology

A diameter-expanding force applied when enlarging the diameter of the substantially annular accessory for putting it on an arm, for instance, fully acts on the opposite end engaging regions, so that a problem arises of the opposite end engaging regions easily breaking.

Moreover, the small expandability range of the conventional structure raises a problem of the accessory being hard to put on.

Further, with a conventional substantially annular-shaped accessory made of simple cuboid structural elements, the end faces that are the mating surfaces between the structural elements come into contact during diameter enlargement, so that damage by contact during diameter enlargement with ornaments (e.g., diamonds) in the vicinity of the structural element surface ends becomes an issue.

Moreover, in the case of a substantially annular-shaped accessory whose structural elements are simple cuboids, the surface ends come into full area contact during diameter enlargement, which is a problem because the resulting large resistance degrades ease of diameter enlargement and makes the accessory harder to put on and take off.

In the case of the conventional substantially annular-shaped accessory made of multiple structural elements of simple cuboid shape, a problem has been observed of the accessory's all-important appearance being spoiled by individual structural elements being laterally shifted under external pressure in the worn condition.

Although substantially annular-shaped accessories incorporating a complicated internal structure for preventing lateral shifting have been developed, they are disadvantageous in the points of involving more production processes, higher die cost, and structural complexity.

The aforesaid accessory of hemispherical cross-sectional shape can elicit gorgeous brilliance from ornaments (such as diamonds) by enabling incidence of light from various angles, but the accessory has a problem of incurring breakage and gem detachment because its entire surface comes into contact with clothing, walls and various other objects.

Moreover, the large, strong prongs required to hold a large ornament (such as a diamond) in order to prevent the ornament (such as a diamond) from falling out are apt to catch on clothing and similar, which is also a problem.

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